Last year Flexible Display Center demonstrated first prototypes of displays so thin and light that they can be rolled up and stuffed into your Levis or North Face backpack.The U.S. Army established the Flexible Display Center at ASU in February 2004 to spearhead the next revolution in information displays. FDC collaborates with academia, industry and government on rapid technology development, innovation and integration to create a new generation of innovative displays that are flexible, lightweight, low power and rugged.
Now, the Center is saying it is ready with a touchscreen version. The touchscreen capability has been enabled by integrating a low-power display from E Ink and Epson . E ink’s technology also powers Amazon’s Kindle and Sony’s e-book reader.
"The low-power displays are rugged, sunlight-readable, light weight and allow users to enter, store and transmit real-time data . " Nick Colaneri, Director of the Flexible Display Center .
The Center housed at Arizona State University has been working with the U.S. Army to create these displays that could be available in limited field trials in about two to three years.
The flexible touchscreen display supports user input either by stylus pen or by touch. It consumes power
only when the electronic paper is activated. Once sketched on the display, information can be stored or sent
wirelessly before erasing.
Companies such as LG and Boeing are already working in collaboration with FDC on these future gadgets .
Boeing is a Technology User Member with special interest in OLED displays and printed electronics technology. Boeing designs and manufactures rotorcraft, electronic and defense systems, missiles, satellites,
launch vehicles and advanced information and communication systems.
LG Display Co. is an Associate Member with two primary objectives for membership:
technology development collaboration and engagement with the FDC’s technology integrator partners
in technology demonstration projects. LG Display is a leading manufacturer and supplier of
thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panels, OLEDs and flexible displays.
They are the first major display manufacturer to join the FDC.
